One of the things I hear most is that the greatest part of the work is done by few people. Yes, absolutely; that is the law we work under! Those who take on a job with a strong work ethic, would not think of giving less than their 8 hours work for 8 hours pay, etc. Although apathy is frowned upon in the work place, what it boils down to in the eyes of a stressed out manager is it is also a harmless vice. Enter, Jack.
Jack can laze longer in the lunchroom, take longer and more frequent breaks, show up late and/or leave early, because his contribution to the overall team is negligible. He can come up with more excuses, usually blaming others, why his job is incomplete. In short, Jack is very active in the workplace - he is actively destroying morale.
What Jack's manager doesn't realize is, the weakest link is weakening the whole chain. Others are watching Jack. They've seen Jack get his promotion or raise, no matter what type of work record he has been accumulating. They see that it is possible to be lackadaisical and still keep your job. Often, others who try to emulate Jack, will lose their jobs for incorporating some of Jacks actions (inactions?) into their daily routine.
So, what you can do to elevate the desired work ethic in your workplace aside from firing Jack? Three things come easily to mind and creates a more empowered workplace.
1. Discipline
2. Integrity
3. Team-builders
Discipline does not mean punishment. It means learning. If you have policies governing the workplace - use them. Ensure that when someone does their job, they have the tools to do the best job!
Integrity can also be synonymous with job site ethics. Your company will get a reputation for a certain work ethic. What will it be? Bonuses can work as stimulants. People who clock in and get to work right away, should be rewarded for that loyalty to the company. But, rewards are meaningless if everyone gets the same loyalty bonus regardless of work history.
Team-builders are the people who know what needs to get done and have the ability to organize the team to get it done. People will work harder for someone they see as working just as hard as them, than they will for a slacker.
Jack can laze longer in the lunchroom, take longer and more frequent breaks, show up late and/or leave early, because his contribution to the overall team is negligible. He can come up with more excuses, usually blaming others, why his job is incomplete. In short, Jack is very active in the workplace - he is actively destroying morale.
What Jack's manager doesn't realize is, the weakest link is weakening the whole chain. Others are watching Jack. They've seen Jack get his promotion or raise, no matter what type of work record he has been accumulating. They see that it is possible to be lackadaisical and still keep your job. Often, others who try to emulate Jack, will lose their jobs for incorporating some of Jacks actions (inactions?) into their daily routine.
So, what you can do to elevate the desired work ethic in your workplace aside from firing Jack? Three things come easily to mind and creates a more empowered workplace.
1. Discipline
2. Integrity
3. Team-builders
Discipline does not mean punishment. It means learning. If you have policies governing the workplace - use them. Ensure that when someone does their job, they have the tools to do the best job!
Integrity can also be synonymous with job site ethics. Your company will get a reputation for a certain work ethic. What will it be? Bonuses can work as stimulants. People who clock in and get to work right away, should be rewarded for that loyalty to the company. But, rewards are meaningless if everyone gets the same loyalty bonus regardless of work history.
Team-builders are the people who know what needs to get done and have the ability to organize the team to get it done. People will work harder for someone they see as working just as hard as them, than they will for a slacker.
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